Mother’s Day All Around the World

Mothers are celebrated around the world. It is interesting to note that in many countries there are different dates for Mother’s Day as well as different traditions. However, the fact remains that all over the world, children love their mothers, and want to honor them. Mother’s Day, whenever it happens, provides children a way to show their mothers how much they love them. Here is a brief look at just some of the Mother’s Day celebrations around the world-

Australia-Mother’s Day is joyous and enthusiastic celebration down under. The Australians have chosen to celebrate their “Mums” on the same day as in the United States. The second Sunday of May is known as Mother’s Day and is celebrated in a similar fashion as their American counterparts. Children show their love by giving flowers and cards to their mothers. Adults take the day to express their gratitude to mom. Similar to the U.S. there is also a tradition of wearing a fresh carnation on Mother’s Day. A person will wear a white carnation if there mother is no longer living, while those whose mothers are still living will wear a carnation with color. Other women who play a mother role (such as grandmothers, aunts, and other significant females), are also honored on this day. Another similarity to the United States is that Mother’s Day has become highly commercialized, with florist, restaurateurs and card manufacturers seeing a sharp spike in sales on this holiday.

India-Mother’s Day is a relatively new holiday in India, however it is slowly catching on. Traditional Mother’s Day celebrations have only been occurring, for about the last 10 years. Like many other countries, India celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. Thus far, Mother’s Day has been heralded as a great success. This is a remarkable achievement in a country that has numerous other festivals and holidays that are part of a long standing tradition. Many experts feel that this has occurred as a result of renewed interaction between India and its western counterparts. Indians look at Mother’s Day as a time, for reflecting on the importance of mothers. Cards are sent to Indian mothers, along with homemade meals and other gifts. In metropolitan areas of India, Mother’s Day celebrations are much more prominent. There is a great deal of media attention given to Mother’s Day. In addition, many companies choose Mother’s Day as a time to launch new female-oriented products. Mother’s Day is a fast growing holiday that looks like it will take more and more prominence in the culture of India.

Spain-One of the major difference of the Spanish Mother’s Day is that it is celebrated on the first Sunday in May. The day is highly popular and is observed throughout the country. Stores in Spain report a brisk business selling cards, flowers, chocolates and other presents for the mothers of Spain. School children often fashion handmade gifts and cards for their mothers, just like children in many other places all over the world.

United Kingdom-Many in the United Kingdom celebrate Mother’s Day as the precursor known as Mothering Sunday. This is the origin of the Mother’s Day we know today. This holiday dates back several centuries. When celebrating this holiday it was considered important for churchgoers to visit their mother church at least once a year. This became a time for family celebrations and reunions that were highly cherished. A special cake was often baked and brought by children to the mother they were visiting. This holiday is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. It is still seen as time to show your love and respect to your mother with cards, flowers and other gifts.